Matchweek three of the 2020-21 Premier League was once again controversial, and yet again delivered quite a few goals. 36 goals were scored in the matchweek over the 10 games that were played, and three teams have won all three of their fixtures.
There was last-minute drama, a few lucky escapes, and some shocking performances. Let’s take a look at the 5 talking points from Matchweek three:
#1 Handball rule the biggest talking point again
Once again, there were a few contentious penalty decisions in matchweek three of the Premier League, with a few awarded for the new handball rule. Manchester United, who were battered and bruised by a rampant Brighton side, received a penalty after the final whistle was blown. Neal Maupay had handled the ball in the box in the dying moments of the game, but most agreed that it was the right call.
That can’t be said about the penalties awarded to Everton in their game against Crystal Palace, or Newcastle United’s late penalty in the game against Spurs. Newcastle United manager Steve Bruce, despite his team benefitting from the penalty, did not feel that it was the right decision.
A record 20 penalties have already been awarded this season, and it looks like we could record penalties for the season if the handball rule is not changed.
#2 Manchester City’s shock loss
One of the most shocking results of the weekend was Manchester City‘s decimation at the hands of Leicester City. The Foxes won their game 5-2 at the Etihad, thanks to a Jamie Vardy hat-trick.
The City defence, which was without their first-choice centre-back Aymeric Laporte, were in 6s and 7s at the back, with new signing Nathan Ake and Eric Garcia struggling at the heart of the defence.
City will need to shore up their defence quickly, and they hope that the incoming Ruben Dias can be the solution to their woes.
#3 Chelsea’s big comeback
Another top-six side that have had issues at the back is Chelsea, who, somehow, grabbed a point against West Bromwich Albion despite being 3-0 down at the break.
New signing Thiago Silva struggled on his Premier League debut, and was directly at fault for one of the goals. The Blues are exciting going forward, but there are numerous holes at the back, all across the defensive line.
Frank Lampard needs to find a solution – and quick.
#4 Brighton’s dismal luck
Brighton had rotten luck in their game against Manchester United on Saturday. The Seagulls hit the post on numerous occasions while they had a whopping 18 shots on goal. They dominated possession, looked hungrier than United all over the park, and were always on the front.
Graham Potter has got his men playing good football and they will cause trouble to a lot of teams in this season. But, Saturday wasn’t their day as they fell victim to bad luck, and some would say, poor finishing.
#5 West Ham win again, without David Moyes
West Ham United manager David Moyes is currently quarantining after he tested position for COVID-19. Since his absence from the dugout, the Hammers have scored 9 goals in two goals.
They won 5-1 against Hull City in the EFL Cup, while they registered a surprising 4-0 win against Wolves in the Premier League.
The London side, despite not having a lot of the ball, had plenty of shots on goal and were deadly on the counter. If they keep playing like this, they could have a good chance of staying up in the Premier League.